The Azores archipelago, a hidden gem in the Atlantic Ocean, offers a captivating blend of natural wonders and cultural experiences. One such adventure that showcases the region’s stunning landscapes is the Canyoning Experience & Furnas Tour in São Miguel. Adrenaline-seekers can navigate natural slides, abseil down cliffs, and even take optional jumps amidst the breathtaking Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões. After the exhilarating canyoning activities, the tour takes visitors to the Furnas region, where they can indulge in the traditional "Cozido das Furnas" lunch and explore the volcanic calderas and therapeutic thermal waters. This immersive experience promises to leave an indelible mark on those seeking to uncover the Azores’ hidden treasures.
Key Points
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This Azores tour combines a canyoning adventure in Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões with a relaxing visit to the Furnas region’s volcanic calderas, hot springs, and botanical garden.
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The canyoning experience includes optional jumps, natural slides, and abseils, with comprehensive safety gear and experienced guides to ensure a safe and comfortable adventure.
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The Furnas region offers a traditional "Cozido das Furnas" lunch cooked using geothermal heat, as well as opportunities to explore volcanic landscapes and soak in restorative thermal waters.
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The Terra Nostra Botanical Garden features exotic plants, serene ponds, and therapeutic mineral-rich thermal pools, providing a tranquil respite after the canyoning activity.
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The tour is recommended for individuals with normal physical fitness levels, and a water-comfortable profile, with alternative routes available to accommodate different skill levels.
Exploring Canyoning and Furnas Adventure
The Canyoning Experience in the Azores’ Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeir??es offers thrill-seekers a chance to traverse rugged terrain and navigate cascading waterways.
Guided by accredited experts, participants can expect a heart-pounding adventure that includes optional jumps, natural slides, and abseils.
The itinerary may vary based on local conditions, but alternatives are available for obstacles.
After the morning’s adrenaline-fueled activities, the tour transitions to the tranquil Furnas region.
Visitors can savor the traditional "Cozido das Furnas" lunch, explore the Caldeiras Vulc??nicas and hot springs, and enjoy the lush Terra Nostra Botanical Garden, where thermal waters provide a soothing contrast to the earlier canyoning escapade.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Sao Miguel Island.
Itinerary and Highlights of the Tour
The Canyoning Experience & Furnas Tour kicks off with a thrilling morning adventure in the Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões. After a safety briefing, participants scramble uphill to the canyon start, where they can embark on optional jumps, a natural slide, and abseils ranging from 5 to 15 meters. The itinerary may vary based on local conditions, and alternative activities are available if obstacles arise. In the afternoon, the tour transitions to the relaxing Furnas region, where guests savor a traditional "Cozido das Furnas" lunch, explore the Caldeiras Vulcânicas and hot springs, and wander through the lush Terra Nostra Botanical Garden.
Inclusions | Exclusions |
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Accredited guides | Pregnant women |
Canyoning equipment | Mobility impairments |
Insurances, photos/videos | Heart problems |
Lunch (Cozido) with drinks | Over 264 lbs (120 kg) |
Canyoning Experience: Location and Activities
The canyoning experience takes place in the Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões, located just a 45-minute drive from Ponta Delgada.
After an initial safety briefing, you will scramble uphill to the canyon’s starting point.
The thrilling descent includes optional jumps ranging from 2 to 7 meters, a natural slide, and abseils between 5 and 15 meters.
The itinerary may vary based on local conditions, and alternative routes are available for any obstacles.
Throughout the experience, you will be equipped with all necessary canyoning gear, including harnesses, wetsuits, socks, helmets, and boots, ensuring a safe and enjoyable adventure.
Safety Measures and Equipment Provided
All participants receive comprehensive safety gear and equipment to ensure a secure canyoning experience. This includes a sturdy harness, wetsuit, socks, helmet, and boots.
Experienced guides provide initial safety briefings and carefully monitor the group throughout the adventure. Participants have the option to tackle natural obstacles like jumps, slides, and abseils ranging from 2 to 15 meters.
While the itinerary may vary based on local conditions, alternative routes are available to accommodate all skill levels. The guides prioritize safety and comfort, ensuring participants can fully enjoy the thrill of canyoning without compromising their wellbeing.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyFurnas Lunch and Relaxation Spots
After the thrilling canyoning adventure, the tour transitions to a more relaxing afternoon at the geothermal wonderland of Furnas.
Guests are treated to a traditional "Cozido das Furnas" lunch, a hearty stew cooked by the heat of the earth’s natural steam vents.
Following the meal, the tour explores the area’s volcanic calderas and hot springs, where visitors can soak in the restorative waters.
The final stop is the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden, featuring lush greenery and a thermal swimming pool.
This serene afternoon provides a perfect balance to the morning’s excitement, leaving participants rejuvenated and in awe of Furnas’ unique natural wonders.
- Traditional "Cozido das Furnas" lunch
- Visit to Caldeiras Vulcânicas and hot springs
- Explore Terra Nostra Botanical Garden with thermal waters
Botanical Garden and Thermal Waters
Surrounded by lush greenery and serene ponds, the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden invites visitors to enjoy its restorative thermal waters.
Adorned with exotic plants and soothing streams, the garden offers a tranquil respite after the morning’s adventurous canyoning. Guests can wade through the warm, mineral-rich pools, which range in temperature from 28°C to 40°C.
The therapeutic waters are believed to have healing properties, making the experience truly rejuvenating.
Beyond the thermal baths, the garden’s winding paths lead to hidden corners, where one can discover rare plant species and ancient trees.
This botanical oasis provides the perfect conclusion to the day’s activities, allowing visitors to reconnect with nature in a serene and restorative setting.
Suitability and Fitness Requirements
The Canyoning Experience & Furnas Tour caters to adventurous souls who relish the great outdoors. The activity is suitable for most, though certain health conditions may preclude participation.
Normal physical fitness is recommended, as the terrain can be unstable and some water comfort is required, though swimming skills aren’t necessary.
Key considerations:
- Not recommended for pregnant women, individuals with mobility issues, heart problems, or those over 264 lbs.
- Disclose any health concerns when booking to ensure your safety.
- A reasonable level of agility and balance is beneficial to fully enjoy the canyoning experience.
Booking and Cancellation Information
Travelers can book the Canyoning Experience & Furnas Tour online or by contacting the tour provider directly. The tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This provides flexibility for travelers in case their plans change.
Cancellation Policy | Refund Amount |
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24+ hours in advance | 100% |
Less than 24 hours | No Refund |
No-show | No Refund |
Weather cancellation | 100% |
Provider cancellation | 100% |
The flexibility and transparency of the cancellation policy are likely to give potential customers confidence when booking this immersive Azores adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There an Option to Book a Private or Semi-Private Tour?
There’s an option to book a private or semi-private tour for this experience. The group size is limited to 8 participants, allowing for a more personalized adventure with increased flexibility and attention from the guides.
Do I Need Any Prior Canyoning Experience for This Activity?
No prior canyoning experience is required for this activity. The tour is suitable for beginners and adventure-seekers alike, with comprehensive safety briefings and equipment provided by the experienced guides to ensure participants’ comfort and safety throughout the experience.
Can I Bring My Own Canyoning Equipment or Do I Have to Use the Provided Gear?
The tour provider supplies all the necessary canyoning equipment, including a harness, wetsuit, helmet, and boots. Participants aren’t allowed to use their own gear as the provided equipment ensures safety and proper fit for the activity.
Are Gopro Cameras or Other Video Devices Allowed During the Canyoning Part?
Participants are generally allowed to bring and use their own GoPro or video cameras during the canyoning portion, as long as they don’t interfere with safety equipment and follow the guide’s instructions. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand.
Is There an Age Limit or Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour Participants?
The tour doesn’t have a strict age limit, but it’s generally suitable for adventure-seekers of almost all ages. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and any health concerns should be disclosed during booking.
Recap
This canyoning and Furnas tour in São Miguel, Azores provides an exhilarating blend of outdoor adventure and cultural discovery. Participants can navigate natural slides, abseil down cliffs, and enjoy optional jumps amidst stunning scenery, before unwinding with a traditional Cozido das Furnas lunch and exploring volcanic calderas, therapeutic thermal waters, and lush botanical gardens. With safety measures and gear provided, this tour caters to a range of fitness levels, offering an unforgettable experience in the Azores.
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